Brewers pinch hitter Sean Halton gets his first major-league hit in his first major-league at-bat, in Milwaukee on Thursday. He is the seventh Brewer to make his major-league debut this season.

Now that the Brewers have successfully overtaken the Cubs for last place in the NL Central, it's time for general manager Doug Melvin to go shopping.

For a "For Sale" sign.

Thursday's 7-2 loss to the Cubs featured awful defense, suspect pitching and not enough offense - a formula the Brewers have followed faithfully, in varying degrees, to their 32-45 record.

The trade deadline isn't until July 31 and one supposes a miracle could be afoot. But from we've witnessed through 77 games, it would be a miracle if these Brewers embarked on a miracle run.

"In order to get back in this, or get closer, we can't play like this," said Brewers manager Ron Roenicke.

But the Brewers have played poorly all season, and with the injuries mounting, along with the inexperienced players on the roster - infielder Sean Halton on Thursday became the seventh player to make his major-league debut this season and pitcher Johnny Hellweg will be the eighth tonight - there is zero indication any kind of turnaround is possible.

There is no other option than to replenish the farm system - on that was ranked only 23rd by Baseball America prior to the season - build toward the future and give the fan base hope another Jean Segura, or 10, can be unearthed.

Of course, that's great in theory. Reality is quite different.

First, you have to ask yourself, whom would the Brewers be willing to part with?

How about everyone? No one on this roster should be considered untouchable - save for perhaps the wunderkind Segura - and all proposed deals have to be considered.

Realistically, though, what do the Brewers have to offer? Not much.

There are no Cadillacs in the lot. Just a bunch of Buicks, along with a couple of other hot rods that are damaged beyond repair.

Yovani Gallardo would be their best arm and has pitched somewhat better as of late but is at 6-7 with a 4.20 ERA. He has a digestible contract. But would any team take the chance that a change of scenery is the answer and, more important, what would they offer?

He's more valuable to the Brewers than anyone else, so the asking price will be high.

Starter Kyle Lohse is another possibility. He hasn't pitched all that poorly, despite his 3-6 record, and could bring some help.

Aramis Ramirez would be the best available bat to offer but has a contract that pays him $16 million next season and a $4 million buyout on a mutual option in 2015. That alone makes him unattractive, and a troublesome knee takes him down another notch.

Corey Hart, a potential free agent, should be front and center but has not recovered from off-season knee surgery and there was a report by CBS Sports on Thursday that he was likely done for the year. So forget that option.

Ryan Braun should be the biggest prize on the block, but his unsolved business with PEDs and Biogenesis makes him radioactive.

Rickie Weeks? Sure, he's playing much better as of late, extending his hitting streak to a career-best 11 games on Thursday and has raised his average 67 points (.169 to .236) over the past 24 games. He is, however, to be paid a combined $23 million over the next two seasons, which makes him as desirable as broccoli.

Relievers John Axford, Francisco Rodriguez and Michael Gonzalez could draw some interest but won't be bringing a pot of gold in return.

Melvin has gone on record saying he won't be trading any players to "win games" this year, meaning he will be in a selling mood as July unfolds.

But he is woefully short on desirable commodities. With not a whole lot to offer he can't expect a whole lot in return. And that makes this entire situation all the more frustrating.